SMC Turns Blind Eye as Surbhi Dairy Caught Selling Fake Paneer in Surat

Surat | Gujarat — In yet another shocking instance of official negligence, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) stands accused of turning a blind eye to blatant food adulteration after the operators of Surbhi Dairy openly admitted to producing and selling “analog paneer” — a synthetic, non-dairy substitute passed off as genuine paneer. The admission by the accused has not only exposed a deep-rooted nexus of profit over public health but also raised serious questions about the failure of the civic food department to monitor such malpractices.

The two accused, identified as Shailesh Chhaganbhai Patel and Kaushik Vallabhbhai Patel, confessed before police that the paneer sold by their dairy was completely fake. The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Surat police has taken charge of the investigation and is preparing to take strict legal action once the forensic lab report confirms adulteration.

However, what has stunned citizens is the inaction of SMC’s food safety wing, which despite repeated complaints from locals about the poor quality of dairy products, failed to inspect or act against Surbhi Dairy.

Civic Negligence Under the Scanner

Residents of the area claim that Surabhi Dairy had been operating unchecked for years. “The authorities only wake up when police expose such cases. What’s the use of having a food safety department if they can’t protect us from fake food?” said Ramesh Vora, a resident of Ghod Dod area.

The sale of “analog paneer” — made using vegetable oils, starch, and chemicals — poses serious health hazards, including digestive issues and long-term metabolic damage. Despite this, SMC’s food inspectors have allegedly ignored routine checks, allowing such dangerous practices to flourish under their watch.

A senior health activist in Surat commented, “This case is not just about one dairy. It exposes the systemic failure of food monitoring in the city. When civic bodies fail, citizens pay with their health.”

SOG Police Gears Up for Action

While SMC faces public criticism, the Surat SOG Police has taken the matter seriously. Officials confirmed that once the lab report verifies adulteration, an FIR will be filed against the operators under charges of cheating, endangering public health, and food adulteration.

“This case will set an example for others involved in similar crimes,” said a senior SOG officer. “We will ensure strict legal action to deter others from playing with public health.”